Telus pulls out of CWTA

Telus has just pulled out of the industry-funded Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA.)

The Vancouver-based carrier’s departure follows on the heels of the withdrawal of other high-profile companies from the wireless industry lobby group over the last year.

Wind Mobile, Mobilicity and Public Mobile withdrew from the CWTA back in April of 2013 stating that they “were promised clear and fair representation on issues of true industry alignment [and] the CWTA has repeatedly failed to honour this promise, leaving us no alternative but to withdraw.” Telus has since acquired Public Mobile.

Last summer, Telus joined forces with Rogers Communications Inc. and BCE Inc. for a public relations campaign “Fair for Canada.” This joined effort painted the companies as working as a homogenous group. Telus has since been attempting to separate itself on both the public relations and customer service fronts.

“CWTA is understandably disappointed with this decision, but respects the position of Telus to undertake a more distinctive advocacy approach outside of CWTA. As a long-serving member of the Association, Telus has contributed strongly over the years to advancing wireless industry growth, innovation and consumer services,” said CWTA spokesman Marc Choma in a statement.

Telus’ withdrawal from the CWTA is effective immediately. Collaborations with the CWTA will continue on industry projects such as the national stolen smartphone registry.